Autonomous-dispatch system linked to mine development plan

Abstract

An autonomous dispatch system links positioning-system units mounted on mining and haulage equipment to a computerized mine development plan for ascertaining the origin of mined material and directing its disposition according to a predetermined downstream-processing plan. A destination signal is automatically communicated to the haulage vehicle, which is then autonomously guided to the correct destination and tracked until the load is released after arrival. If the haulage vehicle is manually operated, the destination signal and the vehicle's progress toward it are preferably also displayed on a monitor for the operator's information and use. The system may further include hardware for blocking the release of a load from the haulage vehicle until and unless the vehicle has reached the prescribed destination.

Description

1. Field of the InventionThis invention is related in general to mining systems and, in particular, to a novel approach for dispatching mine trucks from the mining site to the appropriate destination according to a predetermined mine development plan.2. Description of the Related ArtSurface mine development plans outline a proposed mining sequence according to the quality of the ore and mining conditions present in various parts of the mining property. As one skilled in the art would readily understand, drill-core samples are routinely taken from the mine property and assayed to assess the mineral content and rock characteristics of various regions within the mine boundary. Based on these data, three-dimensional maps of the mine are developed showing various properties of interest, such as the average mineral content, as a function of depth and location within the mine property. For example, referring to the drawings, wherein like parts are designated throughout with like numerals a...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

For instance, current market conditions and operating costs may prevent the economic extraction of material below a predetermined depth in the mine pit.

For example, referring to FIG. 1, ore mined from block A could be dispatched to a smelter because of its high mineral content, while material from block C would be sent to the dump because current operating costs and market conditions would not justify its exploitation.

Because of the human factor involved in this dispatching process, errors are easily made and difficult to recognize and correct.

Surface markers, such as stakes and tapes laid out on the surface between mining blocks, can become dislodged by equipment, wind and dirt slides; in addition, machine operators can become distracted by more pressing demands requiring their attention.

All of these factors contribute to a large number of unchecked misroutings of mined material.

It has been estimated that about 30% of the material extracted in a surface mine has typically been misdirected to the wrong downstream processing location.

The resulting economic losses have been of great magnitude, often sufficient to affect the viability of a mine.

In spite of the improvement provided by this system, a serious problem remains because of the human factor involved in the steps of acquiring information from the system, using it to instruct the driver of a haulage truck, and implementing the instruction to deliver the load to the correct destination.

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